Hidden Gems: Meet Emily Russell of Emily Russell Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Russell.

Hi Emily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After earning my MSW from Smith College in 2009, I spent several years in high-acuity social work settings, supporting children, families, and adults with complex needs. In 2017, I transitioned to group private practice in San Francisco, where I specialized in working with couples and individual adults. My therapeutic approach draws on a range of evidence-based and relational modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Attachment Theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Throughout my career, I have developed a particular expertise in treating trauma and anxiety. In 2022, I established my own private practice, where I work virtually with clients located in California, Maine, and Massachusetts, the three states in which I am licensed.
In addition to my therapy practice, I maintain a small coaching practice, working with individuals across the United States to build sustainable daily practices, navigate the demands of high achievement, and prevent and recover from burnout.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. My early career in social work was incredibly meaningful, but it also came with challenges and emotional demands that taught me about the importance of boundaries, sustainability, and caring for myself while caring for others. I learned that building a fulfilling career means being willing to evolve, take risks, and create a professional life that aligns with my values and strengths.
Transitioning into private practice was a significant step that required me to trust myself, embrace uncertainty, and learn how to build something of my own. Developing both my therapy and coaching practices has been an ongoing process of growth. One of the biggest lessons along the way has been recognizing that success isn’t just about working hard or achieving more; it’s also about creating a sustainable life and helping others do the same. Those experiences have shaped the way I work with clients today, particularly around anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and burnout.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Emily Russell Therapy?
I think what sets me apart is the scope of my experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and across different parts of the country. I’ve had the privilege of building meaningful therapeutic relationships with individuals experiencing a range of challenges, which has reinforced my belief that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to growth and healing.
My training in several therapeutic modalities allows me to meet each person where they are and tailor my approach to their unique needs. For example, if someone comes to me while navigating the end of a relationship, I can draw on my psychodynamic background to explore early attachment experiences and relational patterns, while also incorporating practical, evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to establish goals and develop tools for moving forward. I value understanding the deeper roots of our experiences while also helping people create meaningful, tangible change in their everyday lives.
Beyond my clinical work, I practice improv as a creative outlet, which helps me cultivate spontaneity, flexibility, and a sense of playfulness that I bring into my therapeutic relationships.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that healing isn’t linear, and meaningful change often begins with learning to meet ourselves with curiosity rather than judgment. In my work as a therapist and coach, I’ve seen how easy it is to get caught up in the pressure to achieve, fix, or push through difficult feelings. Some of the most transformative moments happen when we slow down, become curious about our patterns, and begin to understand what’s underneath them.
This lesson has shaped both my personal and professional life and informs how I work with clients today. My goal is to help people move beyond simply managing their lives to creating lives that feel more connected, intentional, and authentic to who they are.

Pricing:

• $220 a session. Can ask for sliding scale.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilyrusselltherapy.com/
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/emily-russell-pasadena-ca/972147